Curieuse Island has no deep-water docks, so you’ll hop on tender boats from your cruise ship anchored offshore.
For other Seychelles Cruise destinations check out our Cruise Ship Ports of Call in Seychelles page.
Slip on some non-slip shoes – landings can get wet! Don’t forget waterproof protection for your ID – you’ll need it to get back on board.
Once ashore, follow the island’s distinctive red soil paths to hang out with giant tortoises or chill on gorgeous beaches.
Pack your own water and snacks since facilities are pretty basic, and have €20 ready for the marine park entry.
Want the best experience? Visit during April-May or October-November when there are fewer tourists and the water visibility is awesome.
Map of Curieuse Island Cruise Ship Port
Getting to Curieuse Island: Tender Operations and Arrival
Getting to Curieuse Island: How the Tender Boats Work
Your ship will drop anchor offshore since Curieuse doesn’t have deep-water docks for big cruise ships over 150m.
You’ll hop on one of two types of boats to reach the island: either the big 200-passenger lifeboats if you’re doing a dry landing, or the smaller Zodiac boats if you’re doing a wet landing (which means you’ll splash through shallow water to get ashore). Wear shoes that won’t slip and just bring a small bag that’ll fit in the storage spots.
Got a shore excursion booked? You’ll get priority boarding. Everyone else grabs a numbered ticket and waits their turn. The boat ride takes about 10-15 minutes each way, with boats running back and forth all day.
Don’t forget to bring your waterproof ID and ship card – you’ll need them to get back on board!
Weather Patterns and Optimal Visiting Seasons
When to hit Curieuse Island? Timing matters after you’ve sorted the tender boat situation! The island rocks a tropical vibe all year – expect 24-30°C temps and that sticky humidity that keeps everything so green and jungle-like.
Want my two cents? Shoot for April-May or October-November. The water’s chiller for tender rides, diving visibility is crazy good (30+ meters!), and you won’t be fighting crowds. Sure, you might catch a quick rain shower even in “dry” season, but these shoulder months nail that sweet spot – decent weather without messing up your island adventures.
Navigating the Red Soil Paradise: Trail Systems and Beaches
Hop onto Curieuse Island and you’ll instantly get why folks call it “ĂŽle Rouge” – the eye-catching red dirt creates these rust-colored paths that snake through this natural gem.
You’ve got several clearly marked trails to check out. The 1.5km route from Baie Laraie to Anse Jose isn’t too tough and rewards you with gorgeous white-sand beaches. Feeling adventurous? Tackle the 3km Grand Barbe Trail where you’ll bump into giant tortoises just hanging out. For a quick jaunt, the Anse Badamier Trail (0.8km) takes you to a hidden spot that’s perfect for snapping photos.
Your SCR 300 entry fee covers guided tours too – they make your visit more interesting while helping protect this delicate paradise.
Wildlife Encounters: Giant Tortoises and Marine Conservation
Curieuse Island’s wildlife goes way beyond pretty trails and beaches. You’ll bump into 130-300 Aldabra giant tortoises just hanging out freely – these big guys can weigh up to 400kg and live over 150 years!
Keep about 2 meters away from these gentle giants, and don’t use flash if you’re photographing nesting turtles. The waters around the island are packed with colorful parrotfish, clownfish, and if you’re lucky, seasonal visitors like whale sharks and manta rays.
Want to help out? Hook up with GVI’s conservation team to track tortoise health or check on the coral reefs. Just remember to stick to the marked trails and snorkel only in designated zones – these ecosystems are fragile, and we want them to be around for other travelers to enjoy for years to come.
See what’s on offer from the La Digue for a different Seychelles Cruise destination.
Essential Visitor Services and Practical Information
Heads up on Curieuse Island basics – you’ll need to plan wisely since there’s not much infrastructure here. You’ll hop off the main boat onto smaller tender boats since there’s no proper dock.
Pack what you need for the day – water bottles, some snacks, plenty of sunscreen, and cash (they take Euros or Seychellois rupees). Don’t expect to find shops, places to eat, or ATMs anywhere on the island. There are a few basic toilets around, but no Wi-Fi signal.
Remember to bring €20 for the marine park fee – this money helps keep the conservation work going. If someone gets hurt, there’s a basic first-aid spot near Baie Laraie.
Decent walking shoes are a must for the trails, and just keep in mind you’re part of a group of visitors who all play a role in keeping this special place intact.
Day Trip Planning: Sample Itineraries and Time Management
Now that you’ve got the basics down for visiting, here’s how to make the most of your day trip to Curieuse Island. Most tours follow a smart game plan that works with the tides and beats the worst of the heat.
- Get there before 10 AM to catch the giant tortoises when they’re up and about, before they hide from the midday sun
- Dig into a traditional Creole BBQ lunch with your fellow day-trippers – trust me, it’s where the best stories happen
- Give yourself a good 45-60 minutes for snorkeling at St. Pierre – you’ll want every minute in that underwater wonderland
- Aim to head back by 3:30 PM to avoid any afternoon tide issues and keep your return trip hassle-free
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Wheelchair-Accessible Areas on Curieuse Island?
Curieuse isn’t great for wheelchair users, to be honest. The ranger station area has some accessible spots, but that’s about it. The trails, beaches, and old buildings just weren’t designed with wheelchairs in mind. If you still want to experience the area, look into one of those catamaran tours instead – you can see the island from the water without dealing with the accessibility headaches.
Can Visitors Feed or Touch the Giant Tortoises?
Touching the grown-up tortoises’ necks is usually allowed if someone’s keeping an eye on you. Even though there are “official rules” against feeding them, many guides will actually let you give them some leaves as a treat. Getting up close with these incredible creatures is definitely a memorable experience, but just know that how strictly they enforce the rules varies depending on where you are on the island.
Is There a Medical Facility or First Aid Station Available?
There’s a simple first aid station at the ranger station on Curieuse Island, but honestly, it’s pretty basic. If you get seriously hurt or sick, you’re better off heading back to your cruise ship where they have actual medical facilities. Just something to keep in mind – always better to be cautious!
Are There Fresh Water Sources or Drinking Stations Available?
Nope, there aren’t any public water fountains or drinking stations on Curieuse Island. Make sure to pack enough water for your trip since you won’t find any shops or places selling bottled water there either.
What Endemic Plant Species Besides Coco De Mer Can Visitors See?
On your walk, you’ll spot quite a few local plant gems that only grow here: the twining Lalyann dile, sturdy Bois Chandelle, unique Porcher, distinctive Bwa bannann, and the coastal Bois Cassant de Bord Mer. Most of these rare plants are scattered along the nature trails you’re exploring.
Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Desroches Island Cruise Ship Port.
